In 2002, TV Guide celebrated its 50th anniversary, celebrating by making several "Top 50" lists of television shows, events, moments, and cartoons. In a bold move, the magazine published their list of the top 50 cartoons of all time. The list became the water cooler buzz of the summer, as people discussed their own favorite cartoons as contenders. In case you're wondering, Rocky and Bullwinkle scored the #3 best cartoon OF ALL TIME according to TV Guide. Pretty impressive, huh? Boris and Natasha ranked in at #45. Jay Ward's other series, George of the Jungle, pulled in at #30.

In the August 3, 2002 edition of TV Guide, there were four different collectible covers that highlighted some of the top cartoons on their list. The following is a press release from TV Guide sent to our site:

D'OH! BUGS BUNNY EDGES OUT HOMER SIMPSON AS
TV GUIDE CONTINUES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BY NAMING THE 50 GREATEST CARTOON CHARACTERS OF ALL TIME

In its August 3 issue (on newsstands Monday, July 29), TV Guide® magazine continues the 50th anniversary celebration of the TV Guide brand by naming the 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time. Bugs Bunny tops the list compiled by TV Guide editors, followed by Homer Simpson and the duo of Rocky and Bullwinkle. MTV's Beavis and Butt-Head share honors at number four, with The Grinch rounding out the top five.

The special issue features four special animated collector's covers, each featuring an exclusive combination of characters not usually associated with each other. One cover has Angelica Pickles of Rugrats pulling a football away as Charlie Brown tries to kick it; one has Bullwinkle pulling the head of Homer Simpson out of a hat as Rocky looks on; one has Popeye pulling up an anchor from the side of the boat to find SpongeBob SquarePants on the end of it; a fourth cover features Daffy Duck and Porky Pig in a spaceship as the Powerpuff Girls fly by.

Rounding out the top ten are #6 Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble, #7 Angelica Pickles from Rugrats, #8 Charlie Brown and Snoopy, #9 SpongeBob SquarePants and #10 Cartman from South Park.

The list is part of a year-long celebration of the golden anniversary of the TV Guide brand. Anniversary-related initiatives include special monthly editorial features appearing across all TV Guide branded platforms, television specials, and additional special events.

The TV Guide Channel will also celebrate the announcement of the 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time with "Hollywood Insider" segments featuring celebrities talking about their favorite cartoon characters. Additional segments feature some of the famous voices behind the characters, including the voices of SpongeBob SquarePants, Rocky (from Rocky and Bullwinkle) and Buttercup (of the Powerpuff Girls).